An efficient way to heat your home this winter is through propane wall heaters. These products are safe, clean burning, and affordable. The initial cost of a propane wall heater is between $30 and $950 and, once installed, is not expense to run. The heating units use a compressed gas cylinder to generate heat and some units require a 100 gallon tank of propane. There are many brands and style of propane wall heaters. When making a purchase, you should consider the size of the model, the type of model, and what safety features are included.

Advantages

Best propane heaters are less expensive to run than electric heating models. Consider, however, the cost and availability of propane where you live. In addition to the reasonable cost of the unit and running it, another advantage of a propane wall heater is the reduced fire risk. Because it is mounted on the wall, there is less of a chance of it being knocked over or being too close to flammable objects. It is safer for children and pets because it is off the floor. Likewise, a mounted unit makes efficient use of your space. If you purchase a small, lightweight wall mounted unit, you will find it is quite portable and can easily be removed and then mounted in a different space if needed. Propane wall heaters are a great choice for outdoor use because they do not require access to electrical outlets but can efficiently heat a patio space.

Size

When selecting a propane wall heater, it is important to select one that is the right size for the area you wish to heat. You can determine this by figuring out how powerful the unit should be. Propane heaters are rated by British Thermal Units, or BTU, one of which equals the amount of heat required to heat a 16 ounces of water by one degree Fahrenheit. To find out how many BTU you require, multiply the square footage of the space you want to heat by its height. Then, if the space is well insulated, multiply the room volume by two. The resulting number is the BTU you would need to heat the space. If the room is adequately insulated, multiply the volume by three; if the space is not insulated well (such as a garage), multiply by four.

Model Types

There are two types of propane wall heaters available: radiant and forced-air convection. A radiant model uses a flame-heated chamber and releases infrared radiation that heats objects directly in front of the unit. They are ideal for a small space, a section of a room, or a desk area. Because the air is only indirectly heated, a radiant unit heats a room slowly. A forced-air convection wall unit heats the air directly. A metal or ceramic heating element warms the air, which is then blown out into the room by a fan. Unlike a radiant heater, a forced-air unit quickly heats a small room, but the fan can be noisy.

Safety

When used inside, propane wall heaters require appropriate ventilation, especially in small spaces such as a bathroom. A fan is recommended to help move the heated air around. Some models require a chimney or outlet of some sort for the fuel that is burned, but many models do not. Safety features available include a safe watch pilot assembly and an oxygen sensor. Also, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation and use.